Stephen Johnson has been named GM of The Scott, a 204-room property in Old Town Scottsdale, Ariz. The hotel is owned and operated by Classic Hotels & Resorts, and was formerly known as Firesky. The property is currently in the midst of a $15-million renovation. Phase one of the renovation debuted in fall 2017 with all new public spaces and a signature restaurant, bar and lounge concept, the Canal Club, which imitates 1930s Havana.
Johnson brings a wealth of hospitality knowledge to his new position at The Scott, spanning luxury hotel and resort openings, leadership roles in food and beverage departments and experience with spa properties. In the Greater Phoenix market, Johnson previously served as GM of the Royal Palms Resort & Spa. Most recently, he served as GM of Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa in Colorado, and has also worked with a variety of other destination resorts, including Sea Island in Georgia and Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur, Calif., where he spent eight years.
“Building off the hotel’s brand-new look and feel, we’re thrilled to welcome Stephen and tap into his leadership to elevate The Scott as we continue to enrich the guest experience through service, amenities and offerings,” John Grossman, president of Classic Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. “Stephen’s proven track record in successful destination resort openings throughout the Western United States and beyond demonstrates his keen industry expertise and solid reputation.”
In his new role, Johnson will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of The Scott and The Canal Club, as well as all other food and beverage operations and the operation of the La Vidorra spa.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the team that gets to introduce The Scott to the world,” Johnson said in a statement. “With the recent debut of the common areas and additional planned guest room enhancements, the hotel is really setting the bar for innovation and design in the region. I couldn’t be more excited to be here and look forward to welcoming back old guests, as well as those news to this property.”
As part of the redesign, The Scott will keep its Sonoran style while bringing together the aesthetic of old Havana, the culture of New Orleans and the geometry of The Bauhaus. Phase one of the renovation comprised all public spaces, including The Canal Club, the lobby lounge and bar, both swimming pools and the resort’s 14,000 square feet of meeting space, in addition to several model rooms. Phase two will revamp the remaining guestrooms and suites, each of which includes private outdoor patios or balconies, and is slated for completion in summer 2018. Upgrades will range from new furniture packages and case goods to redesigned bathrooms. The renovation will also unveil an all-new presidential suite and the addition of four one-bedroom suites.